PHOBIC CAT

I have had so many cats with various disorders it was hard to choose just one. This is not to say that they are not wonderful pets. Someone once asked me what kind of animals I prefer. That's like asking a mom which child she prefers. I love them all, and my very favorites span horses, dogs and cats. They are, in fact, all a little disordered. It's OK. Most people are, too. We just learn to live with and love the quirks. (I promised my husband not to include him on the blog. I am trying not to mention him...)

A little story, a diagnosis, and treatment solution.

Most people have a strong feeling about cats. Either they LOVE then or HATE them. I am quite sure that people who hate them just don't know them well enough. As this blog progresses, I hope that you will get to know them well enough that you will consider having a dog and a cat for your own.

Toby began his life in a shelter foster home. He was one of 5 black kittens born to a shelter "queen" (I love the name of female cats!). All of his siblings had been adopted as soon as they were available- about 8 weeks old. But Toby, a delightful, playful little rascal was still there. I was looking for a new kitten. My beloved Fluffy had died of complications due to asthma. I still grieve that cat- we clearly had a co-dependent relationship. (I will address bonding here in the next few weeks. It is the single most important thing that people often screw up) So I went to the shelter specializing in cats only (where I found Fluffy). Toby was the only kitten in the place and because I had a young adult cat at home, I thought it best to adopt a kitten. They allowed me to take him into a room where we played. He was bright, affectionate, playful and liked me right away. But would not tolerate being picked up. The shelter lady came in to give him one more nail clip and discuss the rules for adoption with me. Toby played and played, but did NOT want to be held. This was the complete opposite of Fluffy. All he wanted to do was be held. When I got up in the night to go to the bathroom, he tried to get some lap time in (??). But I was in need of a new kitten, so I took little black Toby home.
He has now turned 3 years old and loves to be petted, played with and loved. BUT DO NOT PICK HIM UP. His paws must be on firm ground or he gets hysterical. My visiting father-in-law told me that Toby scratched him. Quote unusual- Toby is very kind with his claws and never bites. When I asked what happened, all he had to say was "He wanted me to pick him up." Oh, no. "He lied to you." I told him. "He NEVER wants to be picked up, though he always seems like he does."

DIAGNOISIS: Phobia-perhaps Claustrophobia (there is not a phobia that people experience that corresponds to this one, exactly)

TREATMENT PLAN:

Many phobias stick with you, but exposure therapy works pretty well. We are carrying him short distances without forcing him. He is responding, but progress is slow! We are able to go all the way downstairs, but at the foot of the stairs he wants to be set free! I don't really care- It is a small quirk to me, and our other cat is thrilled to be carried around.